The Strangers

So often in the past have I gone into a horror movie with much-too-high expectations and come out disappointed. I have become jaded when it comes to this genre (one of my favorites). Recent offerings have been so very lackluster, or even worse, so splattered in gore that there is really nothing else to think about. When I saw the trailer for The Strangers (one of the best trailers in recent times), I got very excited again, but then immediately reminded myself of the trends of horror films these days. I approached the movie cautiously.

It certainly is an interesting concept. "Why are you doing this to us?" asks a quivery Liv Tyler in the trailer. "Because you were home," answers the masked stranger. Creepy, huh? Lurking intruders breaking into a reasonably secure home and stalking/torturing (psychologically) its inhabitants simply for funsies. It really is unsettling. And to tell the truth, the movie is pretty darn effective.

From the beginning, we are informed that the film is based on true events. Such a disclaimer is usually a really, really bad sign for a horror movie. But in The Strangers, it works. Because, as it turns out, it kinda is based on true events, most notably the Manson family murders from the sixties. No sooner do Kristen (Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) arrive at his summer home than there are (gasp!) loud bangs on the front door. Commence screaming and jumping.

To tell the truth, although the setup is minimal, I thought it was very serviceable. We know that James has just proposed to Kristen and she has turned him down, so there is a palpable tension between them when the horror begins. She is "not ready" for marriage; he is embarrassed at being turned down. The summer home in which most of the action takes place has been lovingly prepared for romantic celebration, as James had planned a happy getaway with his new fiance. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and everything is about to get worse.

Despite the rift between the two characters, there comes time for action (as in any horror film). As the noise from outside the house becomes more and more threatening, the tension mounts until finally, in the most chilling moment in the film (see picture), we realize that the strangers are no longer content to remain outside. That's when the real "fun" begins.

What bothers me is that events like those in The Strangers really do happen in the world. So it's difficult (disturbing?) to enjoy a horror film when its horrors are so very legitimate. That's not to say that the film is not exceptional. It is quite well-done, with the isolated house providing a truly unsafe setting, and a notable soundtrack sending chills up the spine. And Liv Tyler is a surprisingly good horror actress. She screams like the best of 'em. Speedman is a little wooden, but he gets the job done. The masked strangers are pretty creepy, as well, particularly when we first meet them. A face covered with a colorless potato sack is always more terrifying than a plain old human face. Always.

I will say that the ending is (for the most part) refreshingly logical. However, the final shot, as many people will note, is confusing and even frustrating. Considering the information we are given at the beginning of the film, I had a hard time coming to terms with it. But in the end, it's not too big of a stretch...I guess. It feels forced, though, like some Hollywoodized test audience was outraged with the original ending and writer/director Bryan Bertino was forced to reshoot it. Whatever. It's the ending we're given. But it's too bad that it weakens an otherwise strong movie.

VERDICT:
I love horror movies, but I am usually pretty tough on them. It's hard to make a scary movie that will both please an audience and satisfy movie snobs, but I feel like The Strangers comes close to doing both. It might not quite succeed, but it's probably the best-made horror movie that you've seen in a couple of years, or that you'll get for a while. It's not gory, so if that's what you want, rent Saw. This is a high-concept movie that is one big psychological torture scene. It is pretty effective in making you want to invest in a better security system, though.

Should you spend your money? If you're a hardcore horror movie buff who's desperate for a good entry in the genre, YES. If you're in the mood for gore and a high body count, WAIT FOR VIDEO. 7.5/10.